Self

Chapter 10

Wade kept quiet.

To him, food was just fuel for the body, and the taste did not matter.

“All clean.”

Yara caught sight of the red peppers and cabbage lined up with military precision, a sure sign of a perfectionist’s touch.

“What’s so funny?” Wade asked, clueless.

Yara coughed lightly. “It’s nothing. Why don’t you step outside for a bit?”

Sure.” Wade wiped his hands dry and gave a slight nod.

Yara had whipped up a feast that was light and fresh, just the way Wendy liked and could eat.

“You still remember…” the old lady murmured, touched.

Post–dinner, Yara did not hesitate to start clearing the table.

Wade naturally joined her in the kitchen.

Under the cozy yellow light, his shadow stretched across the floor.

From where Yara stood, his profile was as striking as a sculpture from ancient Greece, all sharp lines and angles.

Wendy leaned against the doorway. “Yara, how do you know him?”

Wade was her star pupil, and Yara was her cherished student. She had long thought of introducing them, but fate had other plans, and they had met on their own.

At that moment, a voice called from outside.

“Professor Olson, you have a visitor!

Wendy headed to the living room. A girl on the sofa stood up with a

smile.

“Hi, Professor, I’m Charlotte. I visited you at the hospital and inquired about the graduate program admissions.”

Wendy nodded in recognition. “Of course, I remember you. Have a

seat.

Charlotte’s grin grew wider. “I heard you’ve been resting at home, so I brought you some gourmet treats…”

Wendy’s eyes flicked to the gift box on the coffee table–an

assortment of fine chocolates, artisanal cheeses, and rare teas–her smile dimming just a touch.

Charlotte said, “Remember when we talked about the grad student spots for this year-”

Wendy cut her off, “Thanks, I get where you’re coming from, but you

should take this stuff back.

“As for the grad students, I take on new ones every year, and it’s always a tight race. Getting in is all about how you do in the test.”

Charlotte was stunned. That was not what the professor had said back in the hospital room. Wendy had talked about how she had a shot, that she should give it a go, and how she would cheer Charlotte on. Why the change of heart?

“Professor, 1-”

“Charlotte, sorry to cut this short, but I’ve got company. I’ll have someone take your things to your car.”

It was a clear brush–off, and Charlotte got the message loud and

clear.

She could not figure out what had gone wrong. As she walked out, she bumped into someone, lost in her thoughts.

“Yara?” she blurted out. “What are you doing here?”

Yara stood in a plain white tee and a rustic, flowery apron from the Northeast, holding a bag of trash.

“Fancy running into you here,” Yara said, surprised but quickly flashing a friendly smile.

She did not have anything against Charlotte, despite her rich–girl vibe

and a hint of arrogance. Charlotte was not unbearable; she was a

polite person.

That was where their friendship ended, though. They were not BFFs Mike Yara and Rainie.

“You…” Charlotte gave her a once–over. “Since when did you start working as a maid?”

Yara blinked in confusion.

“Hasn’t my brother been giving you money?”

Double blink.

“Ugh, seriously? That’s just low! I can’t, I just can’t deal with him. anymore-” Charlotte ranted as she stormed out, her high heels clicking furiously on the floor while she juggled her phone.

It was not that she was upset on Yara’s behalf–hey, if Yara wanted to play the doormat, that was her problem. What got to Charlotte was her brother’s behavior. It was just so cheap!

It was like if one were to go to a fancy restaurant and skip the tip!

Charlotte was beyond mortified.

“Hey–bro! I’ve gotta tell you…”

She got through to him on the phone, ready to give him a piece of her mind.

“I’m busy. I don’t have time for your drama.”

“It’s not… Who’s causing drama? You’re the one over the line, you know? How can you be so cheap?

“Don’t you get it? Guys who pinch pennies like that are gross! It’s not like you don’t have money!”

“Take your tantrum to someone else,” he shot back.

Charlotte said, “Yara’s been cooking and cleaning for you, hanging out, sharing your bed, and you can’t even spare a dime?

“You’ve got her working like a maid to make ends meet. Can you imagine the hit to your rep if word gets out?”

There was silence on the line for a beat. “Who are you talking about?”

“Yara.”

“Working like a maid? What do you mean?”

Charlotte spilled everything she had seen. “You’ve really crossed the line this time. She might seem like a doormat to you, but she’s still a person. Don’t be cruel.”

Charlotte’s words trailed off into the void. Yale was not listening.

He only heard those words–Yara, maid, making money.

It seemed like she had cashed that 50 million check, but she was too scared to spend it.

He loosened his tie, his eyes dark and unreadable, his face a mask of cool indifference that hinted at something more profound.

Yara had walked away so confidently as if she could handle anything. However, it seemed…

Without him, she was struggling to get by.

“Yale! Your roll, dude.”

Shane nudged him, gesturing to the dice in his hand.

I’m out.”

Yale snagged his blazer and car keys, ready to bolt.

“Didn’t you want this hangout?”

Shane’s face was a picture of bewilderment.

Yale shrugged. “Change of plans. Got stuff to do.”

It was time to play the knight in shining armor, right?

Yale was parked outside. It felt like he had been waiting forever. Between a couple of work calls and an avalanche of texts, the one call he wanted never came.

He was done waiting. He hit the gas and headed for Rainie’s apartment.

Yara was alone in the big city, and after every spat, she would crash at Rainie’s. He had been her ride more times than he could count.

He could find the place blindfolded.

“Yale?”

He had barely stepped out when he heard his name. Then, he spotted Rainie arm in arm with some young guy, probably her latest fling.

“What’s your deal showing up here?” Rainie eyed him like he was a door–to–door salesman.

“Where’s Yara?”

“And why do you wanna know?”

“I’m asking you where’s Yara?” He could not keep the edge out of his voice.

Rainie was gutsy. She always hung out with many young men and frequently brought them home, and Yale was not her biggest fan. He had told Yara to steer clear, and although taking advice was Yara’s strong suit, she refused to listen to him when Rainie was concerned.

Rainie shot back, “Look, buddy, you guys are done. What gives you the right to come here asking about her?”

Yale let out a cold laugh. “How many breakups does our record show? Think you can count them on your fingers?”

“What’s your point?”

“Blocking me’s a waste of time. Don’t play the bad guy for nothing.

Yara always ended up returning to him, begging to make up anyway.

Rainie could not help but laugh at his overblown ego. “So, in your world, Yara’s less than a dog, huh?

“You snap her up when you fancy her, toss her aside when you’re done -as if she’s nothing, not worth a second thought.”

Yale was in no mood for her jabs. “Quit the chatter. If you won’t tell me, I’ll find her myself.”

Just then, the quiet puppy at Rainie’s side made a bold move,

stepping in front of Yale to block his path. Rainie smirked. “Excuse me, sir, but busting into a house uninvited is against the law.”

Yale did not even throw the pup a look; his eyes locked on Rainie as he let out a mocking chuckle and nodded.

“Alright, point taken. But it won’t make a difference. She’ll crawl back to me eventually, begging like a dog.